Kilo, a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois, was selected out of 11 potential dogs several weeks ago. Handler Sgt. James Friscarella said Kilo had the right temperament for police investigations and community work.

"Kilo came out as the winner and somebody we thought would be best for the township. Between his temperament and the tests we put him through, he did the best out of all the other dogs," Friscarella said. "We wanted something that was very social. We also wanted something that's good on drugs and good on bite and very good on tracking."

Friscarella was hired in January from the Derry Borough Police Department.

He replaces Lt. Eric Eslary, who was killed in May 2015 by a suspected DUI driver in a wrong-way crash while on duty. Blek was retired as a result of Eslary's death.

"I'm just looking forward to continuing what he started. Since I've gotten here on Jan. 12, I've looked at pictures of Eric. I've read his reports. I'm actually training with the same people he trained with," Friscarella said. "I think the biggest thing is continuing what he started in Ligonier Township and to just keep going on. I want to give this program my own touch but continue honoring him."

Friscarella said Kilo still needs about four to six more weeks of training before he is ready to begin working on shifts.